A Curated Guide to the Sephora Sale: What’s Actually Worth Grabbing
What I’d Actually Buy from the Sephora Sale
It’s here, the Sephora Savings Event! One of the biggest beauty moments of the year. Whether you’re restocking longtime favorites or finally trying that buzzy product sitting in your cart, this is the perfect time to save.
Rouge members get 20% off starting October 31 with code EVERYTHING, while VIBs and Insiders can shop beginning November 4.
I’ve curated a list of what’s actually worth grabbing, from makeup staples to haircare heroes and gift sets that impress. You’ll find the exact shades I wear, the products I keep coming back to, and a few holiday-ready picks worth grabbing before they sell out.
Let’s get into it!
MAKEUP FAVORITES + MY GO-TO SHADES
These are the makeup products that have earned permanent residency in my routine, tried, tested, and truly worth it. I reach for these over and over because they deliver consistent, foolproof results.
Foundation: I’ve been using the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in Deauville since my go-to Smashbox formula was discontinued. It gives that your-skin-but-better finish without ever feeling heavy or greasy.
Concealer: NARS Concealer in Custard, my go-to for spot coverage and undereye brightening without creasing. Great coverage, never cakey.
Blush: The YSL Make Me Blush in Pink Voltage instantly wakes up my face. The pop of color is wearable but impactful, especially when I’m running low on sleep.
Setting Powder: I always come back to the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Setting Powder. It sets without flattening, no flashback, no cakey buildup.
Eyeshadow: The Urban Decay Naked3 Palette continues to be one of my most-used. The rose-toned neutrals work year-round and blend effortlessly.
Highlight/Glow: For that soft, lit-from-within glow, the Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette never fails. It’s buildable, wearable, and not glittery.
Tools of the Trade: BRUSHES & ESSENTIALS
If your brushes have seen better days, this is the perfect moment to refresh. A good makeup look starts with the right tools, and these are the ones I’ve tested, loved, and repurchased.
From my favorite foundation brush that makes blending nearly foolproof… to the eyelash curler that makes every mascara look better… to the brush cleaner that helps your tools last longer. Your skin stay clearer, these are the behind-the-scenes heroes that make a real difference. Everything here is high-quality, long-lasting, and worth the drawer space.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the brush shampoo. Clean brushes = better performance and better skin.
Skin & Body Care Favorites
Your makeup bag isn’t the only thing that deserves attention during the sale; skincare is where the real glow begins. I’ve narrowed this list down to the products I’ve used and loved for years. These aren’t just trending, they work!
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops: My go-to for faking a healthy glow without sun damage. I mix them with moisturizer or SPF for a custom tint.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream: Ultra-hydrating and leaves my skin looking plump, radiant, and makeup-ready.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: A winter skincare essential. I always keep a tub on hand for dry, irritated skin—especially for hands, elbows, and baby cheeks.
Supergoop Glow Screen: Lightweight, glowy, and SPF-packed. Perfect on no-makeup days or as a dewy base under foundation.
These products play a key role in keeping my skin balanced and glowing, especially through colder months. PS: Want the full breakdown of my current skincare routine? I’ve linked it here for easy browsing.
Hair Favorites:
From Everyday Staples To SPlurge-Worthy Tools
Whether you’re air-drying or going full glam, these haircare staples deliver. I’ve tested a lot over the years, but these are the ones I continue to reach for (and repurchase).
Living Proof Dry Shampoo: A holy grail. Absorbs oil without buildup, revives volume, and leaves no white cast. I always keep a backup.
T3 Tools: The curling iron and hair dryer are 100% worth the investment, sleek, powerful, and designed to protect your hair while styling. I use them weekly.
Pureology + Olaplex: These duos are iconic for a reason. They leave hair smooth, shiny, and healthy, especially if you color or heat style regularly.
Color Wow Raise the Root Spray: A recent discovery and instant fave. Adds lift at the crown without that stiff, crunchy feel.
Holiday Gift Set Alert: This Color Wow volume gift set makes a perfect present for the beauty lover in your life, and at this price, it’s a no-brainer.
Healthy, shiny, low-effort hair? Yes, please.
HOLIDAY GIFT SETS:
Thoughtful, Easy, & On Sale
The Sephora Savings Event is the time to check off your gift list, before the holiday chaos begins. These curated sets are beautifully packaged, high-value, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Sephora Advent Calendar: Always a top seller and a fun way to surprise someone with a little beauty treat every day.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Set & Summer Fridays Lip Butter Set: These are my go-to stocking stuffers and Secret Santa gifts—universally loved and easy to divide up if needed.
Fragrance Sets: Sephora’s perfume and cologne sampler kits are perfect for even the hardest-to-shop-for people. Many come with a voucher for a full-size bottle, which makes them feel extra luxe.
Pro tip: I always grab one or two extra sets to stash in my closet for those last-minute gifting moments. They always come in handy (especially when someone unexpected brings you something!).
Gifting? Handled. More coming to the blog soon!
THANKS FOR READING!
Whether you’re refreshing your everyday routine or checking gifts off your list, the Sephora Savings Event is the perfect time to treat yourself (and maybe a friend or two). These are the products I personally use and recommend, and I hope this roundup helped simplify your shopping. If you grab something from the sale, I’d love to hear what made your list!
xx CMK